catheter
KATH-uh-ter
/ˈkæθ.ə.tər/
A thin, flexible tube inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to drain fluids or administer medication.
Refers specifically to medical tubing designed for insertion directly into bodily lumens.
The story behind the word. From Greek katheter, meaning 'something let down into'. In ancient Greek medicine, it referred to metal tubes inserted to relieve urinary blockages.
Word relationships
- cannula: A cannula is a short tube used to deliver fluids into blood vessels or body cavities.
- drain: A drain specifically removes fluid collections, while a catheter can both deliver and drain fluids.
Commonly confused with
- stent: A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube left permanently inside a vessel to keep it open, while a catheter is a removable conduit tube.
Word family
- catheterization (noun): The process of inserting a catheter.
- catheterize (verb): To insert a catheter into a patient.
Collocations
- insert a catheter
- urinary catheter
- venous catheter
- catheter placement
Example sentences
- "The nurse monitored the urinary catheter to ensure continuous fluid drainage following surgery." Post-surgical patient monitoring
- "Cardiologists threaded a cardiac catheter through the femoral artery to inspect coronary blockage." Interventional cardiology unit
Memory hook
CATHETER = liquid travels DOWN the tube. Flexible fluid delivery tube.
When not to use
Do not use for external plastic tubing like oxygen nose lines.
Fun facts
- Benjamin Franklin invented a flexible metal catheter in 1752 to help his brother who suffered from kidney stones.
Related words
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